Anemia in chronic heart failure

Abstract

Anemia is frequently observed in patients with chronic heart failure and is increasingly recognized as an important and treatable condition. The present review will summarize the current knowledge of the prevalence, causative factors, and pathophysiologic correlates of anemia in chronic heart failure. Despite increasing knowledge of anemia there are very few evidence-based recommendations for treatment. Potential benefits of therapy with supplemental hematinics such as iron, subcutaneous erythropoiesis-stimulating agents, or both will also be discussed. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.